“The fire season starts on Sunday the 1st of October,” advises brigade captain, Neville McMartin. “Once the season starts there are increased requirements and restrictions if you want to light a fire in the open.” (See Lighting Fires in the open – What you need to know).
“With an El Nino event confirmed for eastern Australia in the coming months, the potential fire risk this summer could be higher than for the past couple of years, so I urge all our residents to take extra precautions,” he says.
The brigade is preparing itself for a busy season and we have already seen some serious grass fires in the past few weeks, as reported on our Facebook page.
If you’re not fully prepared yet, don’t wait. Take the opportunity of the next few weeks to get ready. We also urge people to react quickly if they see smoke or a fire.
As Matthew Bachali, deputy captain of Middle Arm/Wayo brigade (near Goulburn), says: “don’t try to guess the seriousness of an outbreak. Just call Triple Zero (000) immediately.” See the article What the bushfire brigade fears most:
Be aware that, like all rural fire brigade Facebook pages, our Facebook page does not provide real-time information on fires – our people may need to be out fighting them.
The RFS has a number of ways to stay up to date, including the Fires Near Me webpage – and the Hazards Near Me app, which sends alerts to your phone. For details of all your options, go to: RFS media site.
Report suspicious behaviour
It is important for residents to stay alert. Unfortunately, fire weather attracts arsonists, as some of the devastating fires in the northern hemisphere this year have reminded us.
If you see something that looks suspicious or out of place, make a note of it: unfamiliar vehicles (make, model, registration, colour), people you don’t recognise (appearance), odd behaviour, time of day, location, anything that takes your attention.
Report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Some people also alert their neighbours by posting their observations on social media.
Sally Kaufmann
September 2023
Updated 17 October 2023